AI and false news take center stage at "The Day Show" at the Staatstheater
The Badische Staatstheater in Karlsruhe is pushing the boundaries of traditional stage performance with its groundbreaking production of "The Daily Show". This unique production employs AI-based deepfake technology in real-time, allowing actors or digital avatars to dynamically mimic the appearance and voice of well-known personalities.
The deepfake model, developed by the digital theater headed by Frieder Gätjen, was trained on over 25,000 images of Riccardo Pallotta and Constantin Schreiber for six weeks. The model was specifically designed to transfer the facial features of these two individuals, creating a stunning visual effect that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
During the performance, advanced AI algorithms analyze live video and audio feeds to alter the faces and voices of performers on stage seamlessly. This process involves real-time facial tracking and mapping to capture actor expressions, neural network models trained on target personalities’ faces for realistic transformations, synthesis of synchronized voice alterations alongside the visual deepfake, and integration into the live theater environment to maintain performance flow.
The use of live deepfake AI in theater is a significant step forward in merging digital technology with traditional stage performance. In "The Daily Show", this innovative approach allows for the presentation of satirical and contemporary content with a cutting-edge visual component.
The play's director, Kevin Barz, aims to explore the themes of truth and lies, and to blur the boundaries of the performance. The fake news broadcast will be live-streamed to the internet via the YouTube channel of the Badische Staatstheater at 8 pm, presenting exclusively positive false news. Examples include Deutsche Bahn being 90 percent on time, Karlsruhe SC being promoted, and Donald Trump being stuck on the moon with Elon Musk.
This production is more than just a technological feat; it's an artistic exploration of the digital world, translating it onto the stage. The digital theater at the Badische Staatstheater in Karlsruhe continues to pioneer innovative practices, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in the intersection of technology and theater.
The digital theater at the Badische Staatstheater in Karlsruhe is leveraging artificial-intelligence and technology to push the boundaries of traditional stage performance, by employing AI-based deepfake technology in real-time for its production of "The Daily Show". This entertainment extravaganza features advanced AI algorithms that alter performers' faces and voices, merging digital technology with traditional stage performance to create a stunning visual effect.
